PHILADELPHIA - s4story -- Faith, music, and purpose will unite on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as Pastor Carlton L. Aiken Sr., Senior Pastor of Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church, celebrates his 55th birthday with "Sermonic Selections: A Musical Birthday Celebration." Presented by Aiken Music Group, this extraordinary afternoon promises an uplifting experience of worship, testimony, and musical inspiration.

Hosted at Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church, 7236 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, the celebration begins at 4:00 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM. Dinner platters will be available for purchase from 1:00–3:30 PM. Admission is a freewill offering.

Where Faith Meets Melody

For Pastor Aiken, music is more than entertainment; it is ministry expressed through melody. After 15 years of pastoral leadership at Upper Room, he now introduces original gospel compositions reflecting his unwavering faith and commitment to sharing God's Word.

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The evening features three inspirational selections, written, produced, and performed by Pastor Aiken:

• "All Is Well" — A declaration of faith and assurance in God's promises, inspired by John 14:1–6.
• "Psalm 19:14 – Cover Me" — A heartfelt prayer of preparation and surrender.
• "He'll Make a Way" — A powerful reminder that strength and victory are possible through Christ, inspired by Philippians 4:13.

More Than a Concert — A Shared Experience

What makes Sermonic Selections extraordinary is its interactive format. Between performances, an emcee will engage Pastor Aiken in meaningful conversations exploring the testimony, inspiration, and spiritual message behind each composition.

Audience members will also help select which original song becomes Pastor Aiken's debut commercial single, making this celebration a defining moment in his musical journey.

The recordings feature musicians and vocalists Rodney Skinner (piano, strings, arrangements), Fannie Nixon (bass), Douglas "DJ" (drums), John Kinning-Graves (organ), Tim Adams (guitar), Kennedee Aiken, SeQuia White, and Brianna Kelly (vocals), alongside Stanton Drinks Jr. (production consultant) and Kiley "Second Street Music" (engineer).

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Celebrating Life, Legacy, and New Beginnings

At 55, Pastor Aiken continues demonstrating that purpose has no expiration date and that new beginnings can emerge from years of faithful service.

This celebration also launches a new chapter for Aiken Music Group, a creative platform devoted to inspirational music and faith-centered projects.

Family, friends, ministry leaders, gospel music enthusiasts, and the Philadelphia community are invited to experience an afternoon where powerful music meets meaningful ministry.

About Pastor Carlton L. Aiken Sr.

Pastor Aiken is a Philadelphia pastor, preacher, songwriter, producer, and gospel recording artist dedicated to inspiring lives through biblical teaching, worship, and creative ministry.

Media Contact: Aiken Music Group
Pastor Carlton L. Aiken Sr.
Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church
7236 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Email: pastorclaiken@urmbc.com
Website: www.urmbc.com